In the realm of social media and reality TV, hospitality is a pivotal element. Reality TV, initially designed to provide unscripted insights into the lives of everyday individuals, broke new ground. It offered authenticity, welcoming viewers into genuine homes, family moments, and unique experiences. Shows such as Idols and Survivor captivated global audiences, setting the stage for later phenomena like the Kardashians.
The advent of social media only heightened this trend. Unlike traditional reality TV, social media allowed anyone to create their own show with just a smartphone and basic software, fueling the rise of influencers. Influencers thrived by maintaining authenticity, standing apart from scripted industry professionals, and inviting audiences into their personal spaces.
In essence, influencer-culture’s emergence builds upon the reality TV foundation, connecting audiences with real people in a relatable and intriguing world. It is a contemporary take on “show and tell,” transcending presentation to create a profound sense of hospitality.
How the West was won (by influencers)
An aggregator’s top ten influencers list often comprises of 50-70% of individuals who rose to fame through the reality TV model, essentially embracing the concept of digital hospitality. These influencers graciously invited the world into their homes and lives, sharing intimate moments against the backdrop of their personal spaces. Female influencers, for instance, provided glimpses into their daily routines, from dressing up to applying makeup, fostering a sense of closeness. Similarly, male influencers showcased their playful workshop environments, complete with candid moments and imperfections.
This approach cultivated a unique connection, convincing viewers that they were sharing intimate moments with these influencers. In contrast to actors known primarily for their professional roles, such as Leonardo DiCaprio or Denzel Washington, social media influencers often establish a more personal rapport with their audiences, recognized by their first names or nicknames—such as Casey (Neistat), Marques (Brownlee/MKBHD), (Andrew) Tate, and Charli (D’Amelio).
Through digital hospitality, influencers managed to win over the masses, even before they had substantial budgets and powerful production capacities. Their authenticity and willingness to let audiences into their lives created a powerful bond beyond the products they promoted.
Influencers have tapped into a profound human need, one that’s ingrained in our nature by God—the need for genuine connections with other humans. Over the course of history, hospitality has been the conduit through which we’ve provided solace to hungry and desperate souls, facilitated by authentic interactions with real people.
Thus for Christians it is imperative that we recognize the remarkable opportunity offered by social media. Our mission isn’t necessarily to become influencers but to harness the influential avenue that they have embraced, carrying a message of even greater significance.
Digital hospitality
This isn’t a mandate for incessant daily posting, although if that suits your style then go ahead. It’s a call to transcend the mere sharing of verses, inspirational memes, and sermon reflections. As Christians, our impact on the world amplifies when the broader audience witnesses who we truly are and what we stand for. Our aim is to replace the common caricature of Christians with the living reality of a Christian life, which they perceive through our actions.
Through the medium of digital hospitality, we unveil the intricacies of relationships—between parents and children, siblings, spouses, friends, neighbors, workmates and strangers. This isn’t about preaching at the world but about showcasing the authentic transformation that God has wrought in our lives.
People yearn for authenticity, but what they often encounter from influencers and reality TV is more artifice, except this time it is not skillfully crafted by trained professionals. They are not glimpsing the real world at all. It’s akin to believing you’re entering a home only to realize it’s an Airbnb. This explains why followers often grapple with the moral lapses of their favorite influencers—the house they once entered with awe turns out to be a facade.
Is it not time for those who grasp the essence of the genuine world to reveal it? Through digital hospitality, the viewer, who is already glued to their phones, gets an unfiltered glimpse of reality, a stark contrast to the artificial narrative peddled elsewhere. Unlike some influencers, who exploit intimate moments for instant connections, Christians needn’t resort to such tactics, like oversharing curated daily routines. The truth we uphold is potent enough. All we need do is open the social media window into our lives and homes.
A practical example
Many students today grapple with the belief that others are handling life’s challenges far better than they are. This sentiment is often exacerbated when studying in crowded libraries, fostering a sense of inadequacy. Enter individuals like Merve, a YouTuber who specializes in study videos. Through a simple camera setup, Merve shares his study sessions, complete with papers, laptops, and stationery, all while taking timed breaks. Most of his viewers have never seen his face or heard his voice. Yet they feel a genuine connection because he invites them into his world.
Are Christian students using their social media platforms to share their real experiences? Are they revealing both their academic struggles and successes. Do they recount efforts to improve, both the highs and lows of their days? Or is it limited to Scripture verses, sermon reviews, and sharing articles? True digital hospitality goes far beyond mere moralizing. It offers glimpses into life’s ups and downs; victories and defeats. It allows people to witness personal growth, the impact of Christian friendships, and even reflections on time, work, recreation, or money management.
Open a digital window into your faith
By opening this window into their lives, Christians can showcase God’s transformative power authentically, saving them from the need to craft elaborate narratives. The narrative of your life in Christ is enough. In a world where many grapple with isolation, opening your life wisely online and practicing digital hospitality can provide others with a glimpse beyond their struggles—instilling hope. If executed effectively, it can spark real conversations and lead to profound impacts for Christ, surpassing all expectations.
Originally published by TGC Africa. Republished with permission.
Mwansa Mbewe was the Director of the Student Labour Program at the African Christian University, Lusaka, Zambia where he exercised his passion for the expansion of the Kingdom of God through God glorifying work. He wrote and created podcasts for his Anti-Modern blog as well as the Central Africa Baptist University among others until he passed away suddenly in November 2023. He is missed by everyone he has positively influenced for God's glory.
The Gospel Coalition Africa is a valuable media partner, which exists to equip the next generation of believers, pastors, and church leaders to shape life and ministry around the gospel with an African perspective.
